Brooklyn’s Blowout: Nets 104, 76ers 83 (Game Grades)

Quiet game until the third quarter but given how Lopez & Evans were playing, wasn’t needed. Warming up hours before the game, Williams took some extra time to practice his moves in the post, but didn’t go to it much in the actual game.

Joe Johnson SHOOTING GUARD

Clearly still not 100%, but getting closer. Some good post-up plays and isolations that led to good shots, which is what you want above all else looking ahead.

Kris Humphries POWER FORWARD

Not a terribly effective or notable game but did score all of his points close to the basket: the first field goal a putback one-hand slam, the second a nice give-and-go cut with Andray Blatche that led to a dunk, the third an and-one two-hand layup, and the fourth a finger roll on a perfectly executed pick-and-roll. He missed his jumpers.

Brook Lopez CENTER

Easy to get wrapped up in Reggie Evans doing ridiculous things, but Brook Lopez dropped 29 points & grabbed 11 rebounds while barely breaking a sweat and didn’t play in the final 14 minutes. Blocked 3 shots in the first quarter and was a constant deterrent near the rim. One interesting bit: the Nets cross-covered a pick-and-roll on one occasion, meaning that Reggie Evans slid up to contest the ballhandler, even though Lopez’s man was setting the screen, and Lopez hung back to defend closer to the basket. Really smart.

Andray Blatche POWER FORWARD

Attempted two threes in the fourth quarter. Just to illuminate what kind of night it was

MarShon Brooks SHOOTING GUARD

Couple of really nice moves as he stared his terrifying future AKA Nick Young in the face. Crossovers, dunks, garbage time clowning. Can’t complain.

Reggie Evans POWER FORWARD

Yawned his way to another 20-rebound game. Historical, record-setting rebounding, could’ve easily set the franchise rebounding record if the Nets weren’t blowing the team out again, blah blah blah. But more importantly: where did this offensive game come from? Because I like it. It’s a bit weird that as a natural righty, he’s most effective with his left hand on those baby hooks, but go with what works, right?

Comments

Yeah, this Reggie is the best Reggie. This is getting kind of silly. I think there could be another 20 rebound game before the end of the season. Teams are quitting and they don’t want to fight for position all game with Reggie. Now in the playoffs it is going to be tougher, since players will match Reggie’s effort. But let’s enjoy this for now.